The Montana state auditor's race offers voters a choice between Democrat Monica Lindeen, who is running as a strong consumer advocate, and Republican Duane Grimes, who believes consumers will be best served by encouraging more competition in the insurance market.
"I don't believe government is the answer," Grimes has said. "We need to use private markets and make sure they work effectively to drive down costs."
"I believe the race for state auditor is about who will serve as the most effective advocate for Montana consumers," Lindeen has said. "I would focus on wellness, preventative care and information technology."
Insurance regulation is one of two main roles for the auditor; the other is securities regulation.
Both Lindeen of Huntley and Grimes of Clancy have served as state legislators and operated small businesses. In the Legislature, both supported various popular bills for consumer protection. But Grimes opposed some, such as doctor-prescribed education for diabetes patients. (The law requires a maximum of $250 a year for self-care education that helps diabetics stay healthier and avoid expensive medical problems.)
Both candidates said they support Initiative 155, the ballot issue to expand Montana children's health coverage. However, Grimes said the proposal should have been taken to the Legislature instead of the electorate.
In the 2005 Legislature, Grimes' successful bills included restrictions on damages in certain lawsuits and limits on how insurance companies can use customer credit scores. Lindeen sponsored a 2005 bill that created a $20 million economic development trust fund, which helps fund local economic development organizations, and measures to fund and expand worker training in Montana.
On insurance issues, Lindeen promoted the new Insure Montana program that now helps about 700 small Montana businesses cover costs of health insurance for their employees. She supported the Children's Health Insurance Program and the senior prescription drug program that Montana started before Medicare added its prescription coverage.
"The bills I've carried are where my passion lies, in economic development issues," Lindeen said. She recognizes the connection between economic development and health insurance affordability.
This auditor's race is a close call on candidate experience. Voters may well choose between Lindeen and Grimes based on their philosophies of regulation. The Gazette recommends Lindeen for her big-picture approach to promoting Montana's economic development while protecting consumers.
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/10/28/opinion/gazette/50-gazetteopinion.txt
